Ben:
I'm seeking some explanations regarding the huge plunge routers
available on the market right now.

All tool manufacturers offer a 3+HP plunge router in their lineup (some
have more than one) but only two makes a fixed base router (PC and
3HP). My impression is the following:

- Those routers are very heavy and not really suitable for hand held
work.
Not true. I have used the 3HP PC Router for profiling large architectural
items that were to big for the table. The fixed base provided two large
handles for added control.

- Some of them have a very small base opening preventing them from
using large diameter bits.
The base is plastic, the large bit will make the hole larger with no
problem.

- Some may claim they're designed to be installed in a table. Well, you
don't need a plunge router to gain the ability to raise the bit? A
fixed base router does the job well... Many plunge routers have
powerful springs that makes them very hard to raise once they're
installed in a table.
I use a router lifter. No base at all.

- As far as I'm concerned, a plunge router is designed "to plunge" in
the material. I don't know many "plunging" tasks that requires such a
monster. Making mortises is done easily with any 2HP plunge router.
Routers are not just for wood working. I've used it on aluminum, plastics
and other non-wood products.


Well, this is my understanding so far. Am I missing something? There
must be over 10 plunge router monsters available but only 2 fixed base.
There must be a reason for it that I ignore. What's the advantage of
the plunge base in such big router?
Just one of a thousand uses, plunging to make large, deep flutes in large
columns.

I would appreciate if anyone of you can shed some light on this...

Thanks,

Ben

Your welcome.

Dave